Playing together with your kids is one of the best parts of being a parent. Not only does it get everyone off the couch and moving, but you're also creating memorable family experiences.

Most city families don't have a backyard to play catch in, but there are still plenty of ways to play in NYC that are as engaging for grown-ups as for children, from mini golf to hiking, bowling, billiards, and beyond. Read on for our favorite ways to disconnect from technology and enjoy a few hours of awesome family bonding time.

I was 10 years old the first time I tried my hand at decorating a cake, and I was instantly hooked. I've never been artistic with a paintbrush or pen, but give me a pastry bag, and magic happens. Fast-forward about 30 years, add in three kids and 33 kids' birthday parties between them, and I've learned a few tricks for creating bakery-quality cakes on a busy-mom schedule.

These birthday cake ideas and decorating tips yield showstopping results with very little skill required, and I'll even share with you my shortcut trick for turning a boxed cake mix into a bakery-worthy birthday cake recipe.

Of course, there are times when even a shortcut cake masterpiece is out of reach, so be sure to check out our ready-in-an-instant mug cake recipes and find more parent-tested meals in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

From excellent playgrounds for little ones to wonderful destination parks, there are plenty of reasons for Westchester families to head outside year-round. One of my personal favorite outdoor destinations is Croton Gorge Park, a 97-acre county-owned gem on Route 129 in Cortlandt. It's home to the Croton Dam and a huge, cascading waterfall, one of the park's defining features.

These days, there’s lots for families to do while visiting Croton Gorge Park. We’ve rounded up our top five ways to spend the day. If you're looking for even more outdoor fun, check out these easy state park hikes nearby and the seasonal activities in our Spring Fun Guide.

You read that right: the world's first water park made entirely for guests of all abilities is a short drive away from Houston, in San Antonio, Texas. Of course, Houston kids are already fortunate to have a whole bunch of exciting water park options nearby, not to mention several local splash pads for a hot summer day, but for some kids these may be hard to access or even a little overwhelming. So how lucky are we to have the innovators at Morgan's Wonderland right in our back yard, creating the magnificent and unique Morgan's Inspiration Island—and providing it free of charge for kids with special needs?

Muggles and wizards alike can circle a magical date on the calendar: Harry Potter New York has set its opening for Thursday, June 3, 2021. The flagship store, in the heart of the Flatiron District, transports visitors to the Wizarding World with 15 different themed areas spread out over a sprawling, three-floor, 21,000-square-foot-retail wonderland.

The opening is one of our most anticipated family-friendly debuts of the year. Read on for more magical details and a sneak peek at the shop's interior.

One of the things my family has missed most this past year has been visiting our favorite local library. It’s where kids can play when it’s too hot to go outside. It’s where the whole family can enjoy a free storytime that was guaranteed to be age-appropriate (turns out, librarians know books!). It’s where parents can pick up a steady supply of new books. Books to read at bedtime, books to read together, books for kids to read to themselves, and books parents could curl up with after a long day.

Sure, LA’s libraries compensated with curbside pickup, virtual events, and even dial-a-story offerings, but it just wasn't the same. Finally, many LA public libraries are ready to open their doors. So check out when you and your kids can book it to the library...

This past year, hiking has exploded in popularity. Families enjoying Mother Nature have filled parks from coast to coast. Hiking is a great (free) activity that allows people to remain socially distant. And you can find hikes all over the country that are perfect for kids of all ages, from babes in backpacks through slightly surly teens.

While time in nature is awe-inspiring for adults, it can quickly get stale for kids. Little ones that were once keen to lace up their sneakers are now reluctant to head out the door. That doesn’t mean that it’s time to stay indoors—just add some pizazz to those outdoor activities. Here are 12 hiking games for kids that turn walks into adventures.

As the temperatures start to rise, our thoughts drift to long summer days, and nothing screams warm temps more than ice cream from a local scoop shop. Huntington Village has a unique new dessert spot to satisfy those cool cravings: Milky Ways. The Huntington outpost is the third Long Island location for the self-proclaimed cereal bar and ice cream shop, and it debuted in early March.

Read on for details on the sweet shop and find more local eats in our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.